ABSTRACT
Most forms of recreational exercise, and indeed many sports, can be considered to
10.1 AIMS To describe the four ‘domains’ of exercise • intensity in terms of changes in acidbase status and respiratory gas exchange dynamics; To review the methods that have been • used to delineate the transition from moderate to heavy intensity exercise, in particular the lactate and gas exchange thresholds; To review the methods that have been • used to delineate the transition from heavy to severe intensity exercise, in particular the maximal lactate steadystate and critical power; To highlight the importance of knowledge • of the exercise domains in predicting the physiological response to exercise, and in prescribing and regulating exercise intensity within endurance training programmes; To provide a series of practical exercises • which explore the methods that have been used to identify the boundaries between the various domains of exercise intensity.
